Cardiff City supporters groups have defended supporters who have campaigned against the change in colours by Vincent Tan, insisting they have nothing to apologise for.

Vincent Tan had said in an interview with the BBC that a section of fans, who he numbered at 10%, 5% or a few hundred of the Cardiff fanbase, should apologise for the way he has been treated.

But Tim Hartley, chair of Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust, said he was disappointed Tan had raised uncertainty about the future at a time when the team is fighting to retain Premier League status.

He said: “Mr Tan talks about wanting to unite with fans. The first thing he could do to help towards achieving that would be to meet the Trust and Cardiff City Supporters’ Club as was promised in December last year. Putting that meeting into the distant future is not acceptable and shows disrespect to supporters.

“While fans are grateful for the significant investment into Cardiff City, we don’t believe fans need to apologise for campaigning for a return to our traditional blue colours.

“We are concerned that Mr Tan has yet to decide whether to convert the debt owed to him into equity which is what fans were promised in no uncertain terms.

“This season should have been an exciting experience for fans after an absence of more than 50 years from the top flight but it has been soured by continuing off-the-field distractions.

“We would also like a firm commitment from Mr Tan that a Hull City-style change of name will not be countenanced by him at any time in the future.

“Once again, Mr Tan’s interview illustrates how important it is to have strong supporter involvement in football clubs as happens at Swansea City and many other clubs across Wales and England and in Europe in countries like Germany.”

Vince Alm, of Cardiff City Supporters' Club, added while he didn't agree with fans who had campaigned in a vociferous or personal manner attacking Tan's nationality or making criticism personal, he said those who had protested peacefully have no reason to say sorry.

"Attacking his family and getting too personal, I disagree with," he said.

"But people who have voiced their opposition above board against the change, they shouldn't apologise.

"Out of choice, I have not spoken to a supporter who would prefer to be red but they have accepted red because of the taking over of the club.

"He never apologised or gave a good reason for turning the club red. If it's to do with his superstitions, it's very difficult for people of Western Europe to try and accept that and understand superstitions because it's not part of our culture.

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"We were never consulted or given a good reason why the colour was changed. That has never been forwarded, so why should they apologise?

"The colour was shoehorned in quickly with no consultation of those fans and quite frankly, everyone would prefer to be blue out of choice but they weren't given that option - it was shocking the way it was done.

"I don't think they should apologise at all until they get the reasons why the colour had to change. If it's to do with superstition, I think he should apologise for changing it for that reason."